Qatar signs a deal for new coastal defense system

Qatar has just signed a deal to install a defense system along its coast to help stop hostile ships entering its territorial waters, and to protect Qatar’s large coastline and massive offshore gas resources, reported Doha News

The new deal between the country’s Emiri Naval Forces (QENF) and the European firm, MBDA, follows an agreement in July under which Qatar contracted MBDA to outfit seven of its newest ships with missiles, a deal worth around $1.1 billion.

MBDA – which is jointly owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo-Finmeccanica – said on its website, “It’s now a major supplier to Qatar.”

MBDA is now one of the country’s leading defense suppliers and will continue to show its long-standing commitment and support to the Qatari Armed Forces” the company’s CEO Antoine Bouvier said.

Aside from this deal, Qatar is also investing in new aircraft as it expands its air defense capability.

US lawmakers are finally set to approve Qatar’s purchase of 36 F-15 fighter jets from Boeing, reported Reuters.

Military publication Defense News previously said that the $7 billion sale had been held up after Israeli lobbyists voiced “concerns” about the transaction.

Last year, Qatar agreed to purchase 24 Rafale planes from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation in a deal worth QR 27.75 billion.

Meanwhile, both the UK ambassador to Qatar and the British Defense Secretary said that they remain hopeful Qatar will buy Typhoon fighter jets from BAE Systems.